Southgate backs Sterling to come good
National boss Gareth Southgate has backed “tough lad” Raheem Sterling to turn around his England fortunes.
The Manchester City winger has enjoyed a bright start to the season, scoring six times despite starting only half of their 10 matches.
His output in a Three Lions shirt has never been so prolific, with the last of his two international strikes coming against Estonia two years ago.
In last month’s World Cup qualifying double header, Sterling was taken off at half-time in Malta and restricted to a sevenminute cameo against Slovakia, but Dele Alli’s ban should mean a swift return to the starting XI against Slovenia tonight.
Sterling has impressed Southgate with a resilient attitude.
“Raheem is a tough lad,” said Southgate. “That’s one of the attributes I really like about him. He bounces back from disappointments and he goes again.
“He is ready, I can see he is ready for the game and looking forward to it. He is in a good place with his club, he is working with a good coach and we have huge belief in him as well.”
Having made his senior debut for Liverpool five-anda-half years ago, with his England debut following within a matter of months, Sterling has plenty of experience under his belt – but Southgate prefers to focus on his youth and the room for growth which still remains.
“He’s at a moment where, like a lot of these guys, the next few years are very important to establish themselves as top players.
“Their experiences at their clubs will only benefit them, training with top players and playing in the Champions League. The opportunities to improve are always there.
“He recognises that. We want the crowd to be excited with what they’re watching and he can do that: he can beat people; his goalscoring record is improving, and he works hard.
“Raheem is in a really good moment, an exciting player.”